Chorley 0-0 Stalybridge Celtic (28/03/2016)

Written by Mark Locke

Published on Monday, 28 March 2016 21:26

Monday March 28th, 3pm

League

Chorley entertained Stalybridge Celtic on Easter Monday on the back of two successive away defeats but could only muster a goalless draw. Tony McMillan, the Stalybridge keeper and captain the saviour for the away side with two magnificent saves writes Elliott Walsh.

A number of changes for the Magpies saw Andy Teague return for his first start since the Lancashire Trophy final, and the inclusion of Jack Dorney and Micah Evans in the starting line up.

It was to be Stalybridge who had the first effort of the game though, Chippendale providing it from a long shot from outside the area which Sam Ashton watched well over his crossbar.

Chippendale was to prove a threat down the left and Stalybridge looked to utilise his pace and direct running on the break. His cross was deep and aimed at Tames but Cottrell cut it out to potentially prevent the opening goal.

Tony McMillan produced the first of two fine saves early in the first half to deny Darren Stephenson after some great work down the right by his strike partner Micah Evans. It looked certain that Stephenson would put the cross home by McMillan dived well to his right to deny Darren.

The Magpies had another golden chance through Stephenson after a counter. Dorney played a pacey ball along the ground towards Darren who somehow missed the target from 6 yards.

The game carried a somewhat subdued tone following the Magpies recent defeats which appear to have all but ended their play-off March. It took them a while to get going in the second half. Stalybridge seemed to catch their hosts napping as Tames and Chippendale broke free, but a breakdown in communication between the two saw Chippendale flagged offside when in on goal.

Man of the match Courtney Meppen-Walter produced Chorley's first effort of the second half, a long range effort which bobbled wide of the goal. He provided a close effort from 25 yards powering just over the bar.

The introduction of Jordan Connerton gave some life to the Chorley attack who dominated throughout without threatening. His flick found Stephenson who was disposed by Shaw when it seemed certain he would score.

Chorley were becoming frustrated by were almost rewarded for their patience late on. Adam Roscoe's looping header from a Mark Ross cross looked destined for the goal, but McMillan was on hand to dent the Magpies three points.